PETA aside, I heard an interesting point brought up this morning on a sports talk show on ESPN Radio. The host read an e-mail from a listener saying that, essentially, Vick was getting far more than a 2nd chance. While we can debate ad nauseam about how serious his crime was or if he should be allowed to make millions of dollars again, it was pointed out that Vick has had multiple slip-ups during his NFL career. He was punished by the league for flipping fans off, he got caught with a water bottle with a marijuana compartment in the bottom at an airport, while awaiting trial for the dog-fighting charges he tested positive for marijuana and I think there are a few other incidents.
The only thing here is that, a) this was the most serious offense and, b) he went to jail for it. He has had more than his share of trouble as a pro but he's getting yet another chance. If he were not such a supremely talented athlete (not QB; he's a mediocre QB but a very good "athlete") he would never be asked back. That is the bottom line for the league and the Eagles: do they believe he is still a good enough player that he could contribute enough to mitigate the risk and blowback associated with letting him back in the league? The answer, obviously, is yes. While he may be on a short leash (no pun intended; okay, maybe a little), if the Eagles get to the playoffs because Vick makes a few important plays and perhaps even win a Super Bowl, all will be forgiven, especially if Vick follows through with his promises to work with the Humane Society and straighten his life out (which I think he could do but I won't hold my breath).